11 New Year’s Eve Party Appetizers

Looking for some bites to go with your bubbly on New Year’s Eve? We’ve assembled a collection of napkin-friendly party apps that your guests can nibble on while mingling and maybe searching for that midnight smooch. Festive and make-ahead friendly, these are low-key recipes that you won’t have to worry about tending to while waiting for the ball to drop.

Finger foods get an upgrade in this salty, sweet and creamy combo. If goat cheese isn’t your cup of tea, the dates could easily be filled with blue or cream cheese. With three ingredients and three steps (stuff, wrap, and bake) this recipe couldn’t be easier. (Recipe and photo: Mother Thyme)

Roasted chickpeas are a genius party snack: a bit unexpected, healthy, inexpensive, insanely simple. Just roast drained chickpeas with a splash of olive oil, salt, pepper, and lemon zest for a protein-packed and crunchy handful of goodness. (Recipe and photo: In Pursuit of More featured on NoshOn.It)

A creamy, green dip that will stay that way, even if it’s made a day in advance. Lemon, cumin and cilantro brighten this dip that will have your guests coming back again and again for another scoop. Added bonus, they can do so guilt-free, as this dip is made rich only from the good fats in avocado and tahini paste. (Recipe and photo: Marin Mama Cooks)

Do something different with your hummus this party. Using black beans instead of the traditional chickpeas gives this beloved dip a Southwestern flair. And the smoked paprika and cayenne pepper kick up the spice for a bold, smokey dip that matches the lively NYE vibe. (Recipe and photo: Oatmeal With a Fork featured on NoshOn.It)

Crisp and pleasantly bitter endive leaves make an elegant vessel for a portable party app. Crab and avocado feel a tad luxurious, perfect for a NYE celebration. The bright pop of color and flavor from pomegranate seeds can always be counted on to bring extra festivity to a dish. (Recipe and photo: La Fuji Mama)

The lovechild of two classic apps, buffalo chicken wings and deviled eggs, is just as good as it sounds. Creamy deviled eggs get a spicy, tangy kick from buffalo sauce, not to mention a great color. What better way to ring in a new year than a quirky twist on some old school favs? (Recipe and photo: Closet Cooking)

Mini tarts satisfy the ideal NYE food criteria: elegant finger food. These little guys are made even better by a walnut crust – the perfect vehicle for a creamy filling scented with pungent blue cheese. And no fancy tart pans required: a muffin pan works perfectly and gives a rustic look to these tarts. (Recipe and photo: Thyme Of Taste)

No one can resist dunking a fry into a delicious sauce – and here’s a cocktail-party worthy variation. Crunchy on the outside and creamy on the inside, polenta fries are topped with earthy mushrooms and artichokes for a flavor combo that feels fancy without being difficult to make. (Recipe and photo: Kitchen Confidante)

A tender bite, easy to spear on a toothpick and pop into your mouth. Drenching these little guys in hoisin sauce spiked with a little kick of ginger and rice vinegar makes them flavor-packed and utterly irresistible. (Recipe and photo: Damn Delicious)

Winter is citrus central, and blood oranges are some of the season’s finest offering. While their name may be on the gruesome side, their beautiful dark red color and deep flavor is anything but. Here, Allie makes a blood orange curd to fill a buttery, lightly spiced Biscoff cookie crust for a handheld dessert whose color is as vibrant as its taste. (Recipe and photo: Baking a Moment)

What celebration is complete without a little chocolate? Squares of buttery crust topped with nut caramel and chocolate ganache are finished with a sprinkling of flakey sea-salt, and will travel with you as you mingle. New Year’s resolutions don’t start till the 1st, so why not indulge… (Recipe and photo: The Bojon Gourmet)